Dr. Judy Morris, an emergency physician at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal and Associate Professor at Université de Montréal, exemplifies the values recognized by the CAEP President’s Award. Her longstanding commitment to CAEP and to the advancement of emergency medicine in Canada has left a measurable impact across advocacy, governance, and education.

As President of the Association des Médecins d’Urgence du Québec (AMUQ) from 2020 to 2024, Dr. Morris served as AMUQ’s representative on the CAEP Board of Directors, ensuring strong collaboration between Quebec’s emergency physicians and the national association. Through this role, she actively contributed to CAEP’s advocacy, policy, and member engagement initiatives.

A tireless advocate for system improvement, Dr. Morris has elevated the voice of emergency physicians in national discussions on healthcare resources, patient safety, and clinician wellness. Her leadership on the ICEM2025 organizing committee and participation in the EM:Power Task Force have strengthened CAEP’s international presence and commitment to inclusive leadership within emergency medicine.

Dr. Morris’s contributions—spanning governance, advocacy, research collaboration, and professional development—reflect a career devoted to advancing CAEP’s mission and empowering the emergency medicine community across Canada and beyond.

Dr. Christian Vaillancourt is a trailblazing emergency physician, researcher, and educator whose career embodies the very essence of what the CAEP Honorary Life Membership Award represents — a lifetime of excellence, leadership, and dedicated service to emergency medicine in Canada.

A CAEP member for over 25 years, Dr. Vaillancourt has played an instrumental role in advancing the association’s mission. His service includes long-standing membership on the CAEP Research Committee, chairing the CAEP Grant Competition, serving as Scientific Chair for CAEP 2014 in Ottawa, and contributing to CAEP’s Academic Symposia and CJEM as both reviewer and decision editor. His remarkable record of CAEP recognition includes the Grant Innes Award (2011), Alan Drummond Advocacy Award (2013), Ian Stiell Researcher of the Year Award (2020), and numerous research presentation awards for his trainees.

Internationally recognized as a Tier 1 Clinical Research Chair in Emergency Heart and Brain Resuscitation at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Vaillancourt has authored over 177 peer-reviewed publications, secured more than $40 million in research funding, and shaped clinical practice and EMS protocols nationwide. His leadership in CanROC, ILCOR, and Heart & Stroke’s Resuscitation Advisory Committee has elevated Canada’s global standing in resuscitation science.

Beyond research, his mentorship of over 100 trainees — including residents, graduate students, and paramedics — has inspired a generation of emergency medicine leaders. His passion for public health and advocacy, including efforts to expand bystander CPR and access to defibrillation, earned him the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Community Service (2025).

Through decades of scholarship, service, and mentorship, Dr. Vaillancourt has become a cornerstone of Canadian emergency medicine — a fitting recipient of CAEP’s Honourary Life Membership Award (Emeritus).

Dr. Jacques Lee is an emergency physician, researcher, and international leader in geriatric emergency medicine. As the SREMI Research Chair in Geriatric Emergency Medicine at Sinai Health, Dr. Lee’s work focuses on improving care for older adults through innovative, evidence-based interventions that address both medical and social determinants of health.

His groundbreaking research has explored how social isolation and loneliness—factors contributing to over 45,000 deaths in Canada each year—impact older patients visiting the emergency department. Through the HOW R U initiative, Dr. Lee and his team have reached more than 5,000 older adults discharged from the ED, pairing them with hospital volunteers for regular check-ins and support. The program not only connects seniors but has also generated some of the first national data on loneliness among older ED patients, sparking nationwide awareness through coverage on CBC’s The National, The Current, Global News, and The Globe and Mail.

Dr. Lee’s research also delves deeply into delirium—one of the most complex and underdiagnosed conditions affecting older patients. His studies on hip fracture patients aim to identify biological markers of delirium and develop diagnostic tools and potential therapies. A recent multi-centre clinical trial he led showed that ultrasound-guided nerve blocks for hip fracture patients reduced delirium by 58%, offering a promising path toward improving recovery and outcomes.

Beyond his research, Dr. Lee is passionate about training the next generation of clinician-scientists and fostering international collaboration, mentoring emerging researchers across Canada and around the world, including in Australia, Ireland, Singapore, and Ethiopia.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions and leadership, Dr. Lee is receiving the Special Merit Award for his dedication to advancing emergency medicine in Canada. Notably, he led the Code Cycle campaign—an initiative that saw emergency physicians cycle from Toronto to Montreal to raise nearly $12,000 for the Emergency Medicine Advancement Fund (EMAF), supporting vital research that improves emergency care for all Canadians.

Dr. Julianna Deutscher is an emergency physician, educator, and global health advocate whose work has transformed how emergency medicine supports vulnerable populations, particularly in the areas of gender-based violence, human trafficking, and intimate partner violence.

She completed her FRCP Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Toronto and is currently a Global Emergency Medicine Fellow at Queen’s University and a Master of Public Health candidate at Johns Hopkins University. Her international work includes advancing trauma and emergency care systems and conducting gender-based violence research in Moldova, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Peru.

As Physician Lead for Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking Identification and Management at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Deutscher has developed new emergency department pathways to improve care for at-risk patients. She is also a sought-after national educator, shaping curricula and delivering talks across Canada on violence prevention and social accountability.

Her leadership has been recognized through multiple national awards, including the University of Toronto Social Responsibility Award and the Toronto Women in Emergency Medicine EDI Champion Award.

Dr. Deutscher receives the Alan Drummond Advocacy Award for her outstanding leadership, compassion, and commitment to advancing emergency medicine through advocacy and global health.

Elizabeth Payne, health reporter for the Ottawa Citizen, is the recipient of the CAEP Medical Journalism Award for her insightful and compassionate coverage of emergency care in Ottawa and across Canada. Her reporting sheds light on the human impact of hospital overcrowding, staffing shortages, and system strain, while also highlighting innovation, resilience, and efforts toward health system reform.

Her 2024–2025 reporting has shed light on the realities faced by patients and providers in emergency departments nationwide, from rural hospitals to major urban centres. Her work amplifies the voices of those on the front lines and holds policymakers accountable for addressing critical issues in access and quality of care.

Notable Articles:

1. Hospital capacity crisis in Quebec continues, but hospitals across the country are feeling the strain

2. Pandemic funding cuts mean fewer emergency doctors at Queensway Carleton Hospital

3. Montfort Hospital to build special mental health emergency zone

4. ‘A horrible way to experience health care’: Hallway medicine not going away, despite political promises

5. Ottawa patients continue to face longer than average emergency waits

6. Ontario nurses call for patient caps to fix staffing crisis

7. Patients in ‘every single nook and cranny’ as respiratory season hits Ottawa hospitals hard

8. Modern emergency department brings new hope to fast-growing Carleton Place

9. CHEO eliminates team tasked with bringing kindness, juice and support to families waiting in emergency department

10. Program considered lifeline for rural ERs ends with no permanent fix in place

11. CHEO considers new ways to free beds, reduce hospital wait times

12. New AI tool could reduce risks and hospital time for heart attack patients

Dr. Justin Hall is an Emergency Physician and Chief of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Ontario. He also serves as Virtual Emergency Department (ED) Medical Director and Affiliate Scientist at the Sunnybrook Research Institute.

At the University of Toronto, Dr. Hall holds dual academic appointments as Assistant Professor, Quality and Innovation in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Department of Emergency Medicine) and as Assistant Professor in the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation (IHPME).

Dr. Hall has emerged as a leading voice in clinical innovation, academic leadership, and equitable access to emergency care. He has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing Virtual ED and Virtual Triage initiatives, expanding care to underserved and marginalized populations. As department chief, he has led hospital-wide quality improvement efforts, resulting in measurable gains in patient flow, experience, and efficiency.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Hall supports learners across multiple disciplines—guiding medical students, residents, and physician assistants while inspiring equity-deserving trainees through programs such as SPARK. His research focuses on improving virtual care models and equitable health outcomes within emergency medicine.

Dr. Hall’s thoughtful, humble, and collaborative leadership embodies the values of Dr. Paul Hannam—a commitment to equity, mentorship, and patient-centred innovation—making him a fitting recipient of this award.

Dr. Krishan Yadav is the 2025 recipient of the Ian Stiell Researcher of the Year Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to emergency medicine research in Canada.

An Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and Tier 2 Clinical Research Chair in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, Dr. Yadav leads a nationally recognized research program focused on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

He has authored 95 peer-reviewed publications and led major national studies, including the CIHR-funded HI-DOCC trial, and developed the Canadian Emergency Department Best Practices Checklist for SSTIs, endorsed by CAEP.

With over $8.3 million in research funding and numerous national awards—including the PSI Graham Farquharson Knowledge Translation Fellowship (2024)—Dr. Yadav is a leading voice in Canadian emergency medicine research. A dedicated mentor and collaborator, he exemplifies the innovation, leadership, and impact celebrated by this award.

Dr. Ariel Hendin is the recipient of the Helen Karounis Memorial Award for Professionalism in Emergency Medicine, recognizing her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, teamwork, and mentorship.

A dual-trained Emergency and Critical Care Physician, Dr. Hendin serves at The Ottawa Hospital, where she is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She co-chairs the Emergency Department Resuscitation Committee, leading multidisciplinary initiatives to improve care for critically ill patients.

Dr. Hendin’s professionalism extends beyond clinical care to research, education, and peer support. She is a Decision Editor for the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine, an active researcher in critical care and knowledge translation, and a trained Peer Supporter committed to fostering wellness among colleagues. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she provides mentorship and guidance to residents, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and career-life balance.

Through her leadership, humility, and dedication, Dr. Hendin exemplifies the values celebrated by the Helen Karounis Memorial Award, serving as an inspiring role model for professionalism in Canadian emergency medicine.

Dr. Kaitlin Endres, a PGY-4 Emergency Medicine resident at the University of Ottawa, is recognized for her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and mentorship within the EM community. A dedicated advocate for resident well-being, Kaitlin has served in multiple leadership roles, including Junior and Senior Resident Representative on the Residency Program Committee, PARO General Council Representative and Social Lead, and incoming Co-Lead Resident for 2025–26.

Her initiatives have meaningfully shaped the resident experience—locally, provincially, and nationally. Kaitlin spearheaded Ottawa’s first “Wellness Full Day,” created inclusive events like the “Good Grief Café” and “Dog Park Socials,” and led advocacy efforts that resulted in new lactation spaces and improved contract adherence for residents. As a former member of the CAEP Resident Section Executive, she strengthened communication with residents nationwide and supported the organization of CAEP’s Resident AGM.

In addition to her advocacy, Kaitlin is a passionate educator and researcher. She has received both a CAEP Junior Investigator Grant and a PSI Foundation Grant for her medical education research and will pursue a Master’s in Medical Education and fellowship in 2026. Known for her creativity, warmth, and leadership without ego, Kaitlin embodies the spirit of mentorship, innovation, and compassion that makes emergency medicine exceptional.

Dr. Andrew Hall is celebrated for his exceptional dedication to advancing emergency medicine education through leadership, scholarship, and teaching excellence.

As Vice-Chair, Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Hall oversees educational programs from undergraduate to fellowship levels. He is a trusted mentor to countless learners and faculty, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Nationally, Dr. Hall has been instrumental in shaping Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) in Canada. He served as Chair of the national EM CBME Leads Committee and is a Clinician Educator with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, helping guide education strategy and implementation across specialties.

A respected scholar, Dr. Hall has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles and co-founded the Canadian Emergency Medicine Simulation Educators Research Collaborative (EM-SERC). His work has advanced simulation-based assessment and built a thriving community of EM education researchers.

Known for his engaging, compassionate teaching style, Dr. Hall has earned multiple awards, including the CAME Certificate of Merit (2019), uOttawa Faculty of Medicine Professionalism Award in Education (2023), and PARO Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award (2024). His impact on learners, colleagues, and the national EM community truly embodies the spirit of this award.

Dr. Alexis Cournoyer is an exceptional emergency physician at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal and an Associate Clinical Professor at the Université de Montréal. Recognized for his clinical excellence, academic leadership, and research contributions, he has supervised over 60 graduate trainees and developed a leading prehospital and resuscitation research program supported by more than $5 million in funding.

Dr. Cournoyer has produced 57 publications (26 as first or senior author), 264 scientific presentations, and received multiple awards, including the Claude Beaudoin Prize (2022, 2024) and the ASMUQ Excellence Award (2023). Beyond research, he is deeply involved in teaching, mentorship, and professional leadership, serving on local and provincial committees, contributing to national initiatives, and supporting conferences like CAEP24 in Saskatoon and ICEM2025 in Montreal.

Known for his vision, rigor, and collaborative spirit, Dr. Cournoyer exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding emergency physician, making him a deserving recipient of the Emergency Physician of the Year Award for Québec Urban.

Dr. Richard Fleet exemplifies this award through his leadership, innovation, and advocacy for rural communities across Quebec. He has served as a long-standing board member of AMUQ, championing rural emergency medicine and developing actionable solutions at provincial and national levels.

Dr. Fleet is the Founder of Living Lab Charlevoix, a pioneering initiative connecting researchers, clinicians, administrators, and communities to address access to care, overcrowding, and health system navigation with practical, people-centered solutions. He is also the Founding Director of Hub Innovation en Médecine Rurale, further advancing innovative approaches to rural health.

A Full Professor and Endowed Research Chair in Emergency Medicine at Université Laval, Dr. Fleet has practiced as an Emergency Medicine Physician at CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches since 2010, combining clinical work with research and education.

An internationally recognized voice in rural EM, he shares insights on systemic challenges and sustainable innovations while mentoring the next generation of rural EM leaders. Dr. Fleet’s work has transformed rural emergency care, and his impact resonates across Quebec and Canada, inspiring the emergency medicine community nationwide.

Dr. Zayed is recognized for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to patient safety in the Emergency Department at The Ottawa Hospital. He spearheaded a physician-at-triage program, reducing left-without-being-seen (LWBS) rates by 35% and ensuring high-acuity patients—including myocardial infarctions, intracranial hemorrhages, and sepsis—receive timely care. The program also improved staff collaboration, interdisciplinary communication, and patient education, with handouts provided in English and French.

He further addressed ambulance offload delays, reducing wait times from over 90–200 minutes to under 30 minutes, and optimized care for low-acuity patients, reducing their length of stay by nearly 40%.

Dr. Zayed’s efforts have transformed patient flow, safety, and departmental performance, while enhancing physician wellness and staff satisfaction. His vision, medical expertise, and collaborative approach make him a highly deserving recipient of the Emergency Physician of the Year Award.

Dr. Francis Sem is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and an Emergency Physician at Michael Garron Hospital, with extensive experience supporting rural and remote emergency departments across Ontario, including Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Haliburton, and Kapuskasing. Over the past decade, he has completed more than 600 rural shifts, ensuring safe, high-quality care in communities at risk of service closures.

A recognized educator, Dr. Sem has received multiple teaching awards, including Specialist Educator of the Year at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, and has trained countless students, residents, and colleagues in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and emergency ultrasound.

Dr. Sem has also contributed to protocol development, quality improvement, and Indigenous health initiatives, completing a Master of Public Health with a focus on alcohol use disorder in Indigenous populations in Northern Ontario. His leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to rural and Indigenous emergency care have had a profound impact on patient safety, departmental performance, and community health, making him a standout candidate for this award.

RAFF4 Randomized Trial:  Vernakalant versus Procainamide for Rapid Cardioversion of Patients with Acute Atrial Fibrillation

Patients with acute (onset <48 hours) atrial fibrillation (AF) usually present to the emergency department (ED) because of intolerable symptoms. Most Canadian ED physicians attempt immediate cardioversion, either with drugs or electrically, most often using the older and modestly effective drug procainamide. The newer drug vernakalant acts preferentially in the atria and has theoretical advantages but has never been compared to procainamide.

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Cannabis and alcohol co-intoxication on injury severity: a Canadian national drug driving study

Drug-impaired driving is on the rise in Canada, with an increasing prevalence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the psychoactive compound in cannabis) detected among injured drivers. The impact of alcohol and cannabis co-intoxication on road safety remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate how these substances, individually or in combination, influence the severity of injury sustained from traffic collisions.

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The impact of the implementation of high-sensitivity troponin testing on emergency department disposition decision time in tertiary care hospitals

Evaluation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is time sensitive and relies heavily on troponin enzyme measurements. The more recent high sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnI) assay can detect a significant enzyme elevation within three hours in comparison to the six hour timeframe of the conventional assay, thus enabling shorter serial testing windows. This study aims to describe the impact of the hs-cTnI assay implementation on emergency department (ED) time metrics, specifically ED disposition decision time (EDDDT) as well as resource utilization.

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Patient condition vs. emergency department prolonged length of stay: Who to blame for severe outcomes?

Prolonged Emergency Department (ED) Length of Stay (LOS) has been linked to adverse patient outcomes, including increased mortality. However, little is known about the conditions that could make some patients particularly vulnerable to this association. This study is the first to explore whether the effect of prolonged ED LOS on mortality is modified by diagnosis in Canada.

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Transforming Emergency Care: Implementing the Front-End Model in Emergency Departments

Emergency Departments (EDs) face significant challenges such as overcrowding and long wait times, which compromise the quality and timeliness of care. With over 15.5 million ED visits projected for 2023-2024 and a 30% increase in demand expected in Ontario, Canada over the next 25 years, innovative strategies are required. At Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Birchmount Hospital, the Front-End Model (FEM) was piloted to improve patient flow and optimize ED efficiency. The model focuses on the rapid assessment and treatment of mid to low acuity patients (CTAS 2-5), who require prompt care but do not immediately need a bed in the main ED. The FEM requires patient segmentation and features a dedicated care team located near triage, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and support staff, who efficiently assess and initiate treatment. The system adapts to patient demand, ensuring prompt evaluation based on arrival patterns.

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Emergency department visits for anaphylaxis in children in Alberta: a twelve year administrative.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction whose primary treatment includes intramuscular epinephrine. This study examined the trends for children presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis in Alberta, and reports on operational and clinical outcomes.

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Evaluating the integration of team cognition training and evaluation in Canadian emergency medicine simulation training

A foundational goal of simulation training is to develop learners’ non-technical skillset as members of acute care action teams. Team cognition constructs such as team situational awareness and team mental models have been widely adopted in healthcare teams simulation, yet recent reviews in the simulation literature signal that fundamental elements of team cognition may be lost in translation. This has resulted in imprecise operationalization of these constructs and lack of assessment. To characterize how these gaps are manifesting in program delivery and establish a current state of team cognition training, we interviewed emergency medicine simulation leaders from across Canada.

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Changing the culture: reducing low-value blood cultures in a pediatric emergency department, a quality improvement initiative

Blood cultures (BC) are a commonly used diagnostic test in pediatric emergency departments (PED) to detect bacteremia in patients. Obtaining BC when it is not clinically indicated, also known as drawing low-value BC, can lead to increased rates of contaminated BC and unnecessary consumption of a scarce resource. Additionally, studies demonstrate that BC contaminants significantly increase the rate of repeat BC, subspecialist consultations, invasive procedures such as lumbar punctures, antibiotic use, hospital admission, and therefore healthcare costs. The aim of this quality improvement project is to reduce the use of BC bottles by 20% by June 2025 compared to baseline (July 2023-June 2024) by limiting the number of low-value BC drawn in the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) PED.

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Impact of sex and age on various brain biomarkers serum levels following a mild traumatic brain injury: a prospective cohort study

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) represent a significant global health burden. Extensive research has identified various brain biomarkers, including S-100ß protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and C-Tau, which hold potential for improving the prognostication and clinical management of TBI. Given the documented effects of sex and aging on the brain, we hypothesized that these factors might also influence serum levels of these biomarkers following a mild TBI. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of sex and age on serum levels of S-100ß, NSE, C-Tau, and GFAP following a mild TBI.

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CPR in the ED: 1 year in review – Implementation of the measurement and improvement of cardiac arrest resuscitation in the emergency department (MI-CARE) program

High quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve cardiac arrest survival up to threefold. However, providing consistent high quality CPR is difficult. The American Heart Association recommends utilization of data to improve CPR with a focus on CPR quality monitoring programs. Studies have shown a combination of CPR quality programs, feedback, education, and debriefing can improve CPR quality. Despite CPR metrics being challenging to achieve consistently and guideline recommendations, CPR quality programs remain rare in Canadian emergency departments (ED). We aim to implement a CPR quality program and improve CPR data collection for non-traumatic cardiac arrests at St. Michael’s Hospital ED from a baseline of 56% (between February 15, 2023 – August 14, 2023) to 80% for a 1-year period (between August 15, 2023 – August 14, 2024).

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Impact of professional interpretation services in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Effective communication in the Emergency Department (ED) is crucial for diagnosis, discussion of treatment and discharge planning. However, language barriers may negatively impact patient outcomes. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize the evidence for professional interpretation when caring for ED patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).

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An analysis of the impact of Hurricane Fiona on Prince Edward Island emergency departments

Climate models predict concerning increases in Atlantic tropical cyclones (hurricanes)’ intensity. International research describes hurricanes’ prolonged impacts on the numbers and types of emergency department (ED) presentations; effects which most affect the vulnerable. While Canadian studies have investigated other disasters’ ED impacts, none have explored hurricanes. Due to Prince Edward Island (PEI)’s isolated geography, 2022’s historic Hurricane Fiona gives unique insight into a hurricane’s impact on an entire emergency medicine (EM) system. We therefore aimed to describe PEI ED use surrounding the storm.

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